Tinubu, Adeleke Congratulate customs boss Adeniyi as he makes Nigeria proud, heads 73 year old WCO

…Adeniyi consistently surpassing budgetary targets – Tinubu

…You’re Mr Customs in all sense-Adeleke

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

President Bola Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke have extended their warmest congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his historic election as the first Nigerian to head the 73 year old World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.

President Bola Tinubu in a congratulatory message signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu congratulates Adeniyi, the Board, management and staff of the NCS on the recognition stated the election marks significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa.

CGC Adeniyi and President Tinubu

The release stated that the president believes that the hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time the flag has been raised at the organisation’s headquarters since its founding in 1952.

He said, “ This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi, who has been the head of NCS since his appointment two years ago.

“In two years, Adeniyi has increased revenue collections, consistently surpassing budgetary targets, improved relations with various stakeholders, modernised operations and digitalised processes for effectiveness.

“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms. I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to live up to the expectation of the WCO Council and even surpass it,” the President said.

President Tinubu thanks the Secretary-General and WCO leaders for unanimously electing the Nigerian Customs boss and assures that his government will support his leadership of the Council.

Governor Adeleke in his message signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed described the CGC as a top flight professional who has raised the image of Osun state his home state high.

Adeniyi as “a top flight professional” making Nigeria proud and placing Osun on a global map, calling his election as “well deserved”.

“For years, you devoted your life to the Customs family with deep experience across the operational departments. You are Mr Customs in all sense. Your experience, locally and internationally puts you in good stead to pilot the Customs service, not only in Nigeria but globally.

“I am therefore elated that you have emerged as the Chair of the World Custom Council. I have no doubt that you will deploy your decades of expertise to innovate further on best practices in Customs practices and traditions.”

Gov. Adeleke

Adeleke said the government is proud of the Customs boss as a great son of Osun state who has contributed phenomenally to national and global development

CGC Adeniyi, who takes over the leadership of the Council of WCO from Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, will officially begin guiding the global institution on July 1, 2025.

The WCO Council, the organisation’s supreme governing body, plays a crucial role in promoting uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations. All WCO working bodies report to the Council, whose policy decisions guide the operations of customs administrations across its 186 member states.